New England Patriots’ Rob Gronkowski cleared

The Patriots will get one of the best tight ends in the NFL back for training camp after Rob Gronkowski was cleared to play following an torn ACL last year.

Gronkowski was cleared by doctors and will avoid going on to the active/physically unable to perform list, according to ESPN.

Gronkowski played in only seven games last season after missing the first six because of a forearm injury. He then missed the last three games after he torn his ACL in week 14 against the Cleveland Browns, according to USA Today.

The Patriots open training camp on Thursday and the several veteran players are glad to see him back.

“I’m happy to see his progress and see him coming into this season and staying healthy; obviously, that’s what everyone is talking about,” defensive end Rob Ninkovich told ESPN. “I don’t want to speak on his behalf, but he’s one of the hardest-working guys I’ve ever seen as well.”

In his short career with the Patriots, Gronkowski has 226 receptions, 3,255 yards and 42 touchdowns in just 50 games, according to ESPN Stats.